AAP releases online forms, seeking candidates for Lok Sabha polls

The party has also arranged a workshop to acquaint its members with several processes involved in electoral politics

Keeping an eye on forthcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections, the state wing of Aam Aadmi Party has asked volunteers and supporters to fill up candidature forms.

The announcement was made yesterday in Aurangabad after a two-day state-level conference of the party. AAP also organised a workshop for its executive members from districts across the state.

Passing on the message: An AAP member speaks to party followers

While speaking to MiD DAY, the party’s state general secretary and spokesperson Preeti Sharma Menon said that the form had already been uploaded on AAP’s website and on social networking sites, and those who think that they fit the eligibility criteria for selection can fill up the form.

Describing the party’s parameters for picking candidates, Sharma said that it would be necessary for the aspirants to not be communal, criminal, or corrupt. Party officials have already declared that it would contest all the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

“The general elections are round the corner and, therefore, we are seeking the ‘right’ candidates who would fight the polls on AAP’s ticket. However, the party’s ‘candidate screening process’ is tough, and that is the reason we are asking for early application from people,” said Sharma.

She added that the candidature forms would first go through the local level committee of the party and would then be sent to the district, state, and finally national level panels for selection. The same parameters would be applied for state assembly elections, informed Sharma.

Back to school The party has also arranged a workshop to acquaint its district level executive members with several processes involved in electoral politics. Rajesh Mittal, Pune district executive committee member, said that the associates are being taught poll booth management to ensure high voter turnout.

“As members of the party are new to electoral politics, training was given to them about how to reach people who want to be members. Besides this, associates have also been told to target voters at the taluka and village level,” added Mittal.